PORTLAND AREA STUDENTS - From left, Martha O'Connor of Westbrook, Margaret Clark of Portland, Jared Lapointe of Fairfield, Brittney Provencher of Sanford, Libby Marsano of Saco, Julie Branagan, clinical coordinator at the CMMC Clark F. Miller School of Radiologic Technology, and Megan Goudey of South Portland. Former students at the Mercy School of Radiologic Technology are completing their training in radiologic technology at the Central Maine Medical Center College of Nursing and Health Professions in Lewiston. See accompanying story for details.
Students from the Mercy School of Radiologic Technology have begun their studies at the Central Maine Medical Center College of Nursing and Health Professions.
The college admitted students from the Portland hospital’s program into the Clark F. Miller School of Radiologic Technology in Lewiston earlier this summer. Mercy Hospital announced in July that it was transitioning its School of Radiology to CMMC’s program for the fall semester.
Students from the Mercy school are continuing their clinical rotations three days a week at Mercy Hospital, but are attending classes in Lewiston two days a week. The students are not incurring additional educational expenses as a result of the changes.
“The Miller School has the infrastructure to provide educational support, financial aid assistance, job placement services and the other resources. Mercy’s program was just too small in scope to duplicate that kind of infrastructure support,” said Diane Atwood from public relations at Mercy Hospital.
“This decision to transition the Mercy school wasn’t based on the quality of the school’s program; in fact, the school is very well respected. It was a decision based on how best to serve the students in the long-term in a financially sustainable manner,” said Diane Atwood from public relations.
First-year students making the transition will earn an associate degree from the CMMC program. Second-year students will be awarded certificates of completion. The Mercy school was a certificate program, whereas CMMC’s program offers an associate degree.
Next year, the Miller School will accept 20 students into its radiologic technology program. The group will be divided into a Mercy Division completing its clinical rotations at Mercy Hospital and its affiliates, and a CMMC Division completing its clinical rotations at CMMC, Central Maine Orthopaedics, Bridgton Hospital, Franklin Memorial Hospital, and Rumford Hospital.
“This is a win-win situation. Students will continue benefiting from clinical experiences at Mercy Hospital and Mercy Hospital will continue to work with radiography students,” said Judy Ripley, director of the Miller School. “The students will have the opportunity to obtain an associate of applied science degree in radiologic technology. The additional students will increase the utilization of the general education courses and radiography courses and increase the efficiency of the educational program we offer.”
The CNHP is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. The Miller School is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.
“We welcome the students from Mercy Hospital and will provide them the same high level of education and support services that we offer to all students,” Ripley said.
Individuals who are interested in pursuing an education in radiologic technology are encouraged to visit the College website, http://www.cmmccollege.edu/, or call the admissions office at 795-2649.
